Fort Bowie National Historic Site
Pictorial
Now that my workshop is essentially finished, I’m finding time to get out and explore my new home state a bit. Here are some pics from a recent trip to the Ft. Bowie ruins, built on Apache Pass, very near Apache Springs. The 3 mile hike (round trip) is well worth it as the site is maintained well by the National Park Service and there are informational placards both on the hike in and around the site.
Enjoy!
Most of the following pictures are self-explanatory. The one that may be a bit vague is of Apache Springs. The only water source for miles around, used for centuries by the Chiricahua Apache so of course the US Army built a fort right on top of it. Apparently, it was on this site where Cochise had an encounter with whites that so embittered him that it started a two-decade war. As the story is told, at first Cochise was friendly but then…The Bascom Affair. The following is from the NPS website.
“Chief Cochise was leader of the Chokonen band of the Chiricahua Apache, local to the Chiricahua Mountains, in the mid-1800s. He was a natural born leader. His father-in-law, Chief Mangas Coloradas, who was chief of the Mimbreno band, helped him foster these skills. Through this connection, Cochise would gain more influence over the Chiricahua Apache.
In 1861, the Arivaipa band of Apache (not a part of the Chiricahua) raided the farm of settler John Ward and were seen heading toward the Chiricahua Mountains, known to be Cochise’s territory. The raiders had taken livestock and kidnapped John Ward’s stepson Felix Ward. The young and eager Lieutenant George Bascom was ordered to bring the raiders to justice.
Bascom invited Cochise to a meeting near the Butterfield Stage Station on Apache Pass. Cochise agreed to meet him and brought along a few of his family members. In the privacy of his tent, Bascom accused Cochise of the raid. Cochise told him truthfully he had no knowledge of the ordeal, but would help track down those who did. Bascom refused Cochise’s offer and his release until the property was returned. Cochise quickly cut a hole in the tent and escaped. Bascom took Cochise's family members hostage.
In the days that followed Cochise ambushed a wagon train and Butterfield stagecoach, taking prisoners of his own. Although both sides wanted to make an agreement, miscommunication and hostilities prevented it. Cochise tried to coordinate an exchange with Bascom, but Bascom refused. Cochise killed his prisoners,and the soldiers killed theirs in retaliation. Among the Apaches killed was Coyuntura, a favorite brother of Cochise. Cochise was devastated and furious.”
